Diversity and Disability (DnD)
Diversity & Disability (DnD) program is a disability self-advocacy program delivered at the Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) St Albans office. We provide support to people with a disability from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background to speak for themselves and achieve their full potential as valued citizens of the community.
DnD aspires to enhance the freedom, independence, knowledge and opportunities for people with disability from a CALD background.
We do this through:
- Self-advocacy skills development in a creative and fun environment
- Connections with CALD communities to create attitudinal change
- Enhanced participation and representation by people from CALD backgrounds in the community
- Engagement with policy makers and decision makes with the multicultural and disability sector
- Consumer representation at local, regional and national disability forums
DnD is run by people with disability for people with disability to provide self-advocacy support and information to people interested in disability and ethnicity.
The program has eight different support groups:
- the DnD Women and Men Support Groups
- DnD creative Writing Group
- DnD Conflict Resolution Group
- DnD Theatre and Acting Group
- two DnD Music Therapy Groups
- and a DnD Art group
| Contact Details | |
| Post: | 20 Victoria Crescent St Albans, VIC, 3021 |
| Tel: | (03) 9367 6044 |
| Fax: | (03) 9367 4344 |
| E-mail: | dnd@mrcnorthwest.org.au |
Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory (MCNT) (NT)
http://www.mcnt.org.au/pages/Goals-and-Visions.html
Goals and Visions
The Role of the Multicultural Council
The Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory (MCNT) is a community-based non-profit organisation that advocates and provides direct services for individuals, families and communities from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds in the Top End of the Northern Territory.
The MCNT was established in 1977 as the Ethnic Communities Council of the Northern Territory (ECCNT). In 2000, the name was changed to Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory to reflect the inclusive and diverse nature of the organisation and to forge greater outreach with the wider community.
The MCNT has been based in the multicultural hub of Darwin’s northern suburbs since 2004. In recent years the MCNT has expanded its operations and developed a range of innovative and interactive activities funded by Federal and NT Government agencies specifically targeted to its multicultural constituency. The MCNT has over some years developed the reputation from its office at Malak as a ‘drop in centre’ and ‘one stop shop’ for its clients and members.
The MCNT receives recurrent operational funding from the Northern Territory Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) as a key stakeholder and independent consultative body for the NT Government. OMA views the MCNT as having three primary roles – providing information, advocacy, and community engagement – in meeting its responsibilities and objectives for operational funding.
The MCNT also receives project funding from the Federal Government: the Settlement Grants Program (SGP) of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) assisting recent arrivals with settlement and capacity building; and the Family Support Program of the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) supporting disadvantaged CALD background families and increasing their participation in community life.
As a peak body and service provider the MCNT:
- Advocates provides advice and represents the interests, concerns and aspirations of people from CALD backgrounds in the Northern Territory;
- Raises the profile and creates awareness of the needs and issues of CALD communities, particularly recently-arrived migrants and refugees;
- Informs, mentors, consults with, and provides a forum and meeting place for its clients and members; and
- Undertakes specific projects, programs and support services aimed at addressing the needs and service gaps for clients from CALD communities.
MCNT Goals and Principles
The MCNT promotes multiculturalism as a policy that works for all Australians. The MCNT promotes empowerment for people from CALD backgrounds through culturally appropriate advocacy and direct service delivery to ensure full participation in the Territory’s social, cultural, economic, political and civic life.
The MCNT’s core business and organisational ethics are guided by the principles of access and equity, social inclusion, community harmony and celebration of diversity.
The MCNT develops and present programs and activities that foster cross-cultural awareness and cooperation, create opportunities for constructive dialogue and enhance shared values of mutual respect, compassion, inclusion and acceptance within and between the between the new and emerging migrant and refugee communities, Indigenous groups and established wider Australian community.
MCNT Objectives
- To combine policy development and direct service delivery within a community development framework to enable positive change on a local, state, and national level.
- To provide direct settlement services and programs to recently-arrived migrants and refugees, and to ensure effective local orientation, settlement and self-reliance.
- To advise on government policy and practice and seek equality, social justice, inclusion and empowerment for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
- To provide comprehensive and coordinated advice and services to clients and groups on issues of common concern and to advocate to government and non-government agencies.
- To ensure the rights of ethnic organisations to a fair share of community resources and to participate in the decision-making process on issues which affect or concern them.
- To promote, foster and enhance the Northern Territory’s multicultural society through recognition and preservation of cultural and linguistic diversity.
- To promote and enhance creative, cultural and social networking skills development in migrant and refugee communities and to foster enterprises based on cooking, arts and crafts.
- To provide poverty support and emergency relief programs to migrant and refugee families suffering financial crisis or destitution.
- To assist young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to develop academic skills and achieve educational potential through provision of tutorial support.
- To provide direct ethno-specific services specifically targeting the special needs of migrant and refugee women, youth, seniors and long-term unemployed.
- To collaborate with ethnic communities and existing service providers in identifying service gaps and in the planning and delivery of services for migrants and refugees.
- To promote community development and support multicultural and ethnic organisations to contribute to and enjoy the social, economic and cultural life of the wider community.
- To encourage full participation in mainstream Australian life with interaction rather than isolation and the development of a non-discriminatory and socially cohesive society.
MCNT Stakeholders and Membership Base
The MCNT has a broad and diverse membership base, and maintains considerable outreach and interaction with its multicultural constituency. The MCNT works with a range of stakeholders and consults regularly with its members and ethnic community leaders to discuss issues of concern and ascertain evolving and emerging settlement needs and issues for migrants and refugees in our society.
The MCNT welcomes new applications for membership from interested individuals and associations, subject to approval by the MCNT Management Committee. The MCNT looks forward to an exciting future and values the contribution of its members.
The MCNT is a member of the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) and the Settlement Council of Australia (SCOA). The MCNT sits on many advisory committees and boards for the government and non-government sectors in the Territory. The MCNT Council is also used as a referral point for ethnic community associations and by a number of community organisations, service providers and government agencies.
As a peak body, the MCNT responds and contributes to public policy development through regular submissions to FECCA, SCOA and Commonwealth Government agencies, and represents and advocates for CALD community clients and MCNT members at inter-agency meetings and national consultations.
Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory
First established in 1977, the Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory (MCNT) is an organisation representing and advocating the interests, concerns and aspirations of migrants and refugees.
The MCNT is a community-based non-profit organisation managed by a board of dedicated volunteers, and receives operational funding from the Northern Territory Government through the NT Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA).
| Contact Details | |
| Tel: | (08) 89459122 |
| Fax: | (08) 89459155 |
| E-mail: | admin@mcnt.org.au |
Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW (NSW)
The Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW (MDAA) is the peak body for all people in NSW with disability and their families and carers, with a particular focus on those from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD )/ non-English Speaking (NES) background with disability.
Vision
Our Vision is a society where everyone, regardless of background or disability feels welcome, included and supported. MDAA views culture and disability through the lens of diversity. We see diversity as a strength, and we promote this view in all our work. We want to make our vision a reality. Over the next five years, we will be focussing on three major goals set out in this Strategic Directions document. The details of how we achieve these goals and measure our success will be set out in the Strategic Plan. The major goals are Empowered People, Leading Change and Strengthening MDAA. MDAA works towards achieving these goals through Systemic and Individual Advocacy, Capacity Building and Networking, Industry Development and Training. International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a United Nations sanctioned day that aims to promote an understanding of people with disability and encourage support for their dignity, rights and well-being.
The Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW (MDAA) is the peak body for all people in NSW with disability and their families and carers, with a particular focus on those from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD )/ non-English Speaking (NES) background with disability.
Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW (MDAA)
MDAA is the only advocacy service in NSW available specifically to people from NESB with disability, their families and carers. MDAA aims to promote, protect and secure the rights and interests of people from a NESB with disability and their families and carers in NSW.
MDAA provides a range of services including individual advocacy to people from a NESB with disability, their families and carers. MDAA is also a Registered Training Organisation.
| Contact Details | |
| Post: | PO Box 884 Granville NSW 2142 |
| Tel: | (02) 02 9891 6400 or 1800 629 072 |
| Fax: | (02) 9897 9402 |
| TTY: | 133 677 |
| E-mail: | mdaa@mdaa.org.au |
Ethnic Disability Advocacy Centre (WA)
http://edac.eduka.info/about-us/
The Ethnic Disability Advocacy Centre (EDAC) is the peak advocacy organisation in WA and aims to safeguard the rights of ethnic people with disabilities and their families.
We provide individual and systemic advocacy services for people with all types of disability including physical, sensory, intellectual and psychiatric conditions.
Individual and Systemic Advocacy
EDAC can advocate in areas such as the justice system, health-care, education, child-care, employment, housing, transport and others.More information on individual advocacy and systemic advocacy.
For inquiries or advocacy assistance, please phone 9388 7455 or 1800 659 921.
EDAC is funded by Department of Social Services and Western Australia Disability Services Commission for Advocacy activities.
EDAC can help by providing information regarding services, community support groups and government agencies/policies and also liaising with these agencies. Fill in the referral online.
EDAC can also assist in referrals to other services.
Our Mission
Ethnic Disability Advocacy Centre vigorously seeks to promote, protect and safeguard the rights and interests of people with disabilities from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CaLD) and/or mental health issues, their families/ carers and community in order for them to fulfil their full potential
Ethnic Disability Advocacy Centre (EDAC)
EDAC was established in 1995 to advocate for and empower people with a disability from non-English speaking backgrounds. EDAC aims to safeguard the rights of ethnic people with disabilities and their families. EDAC provides information, advocacy and cross-cultural training.
| Contact Details | |
| Post: | 320 Rokeby Road Subiaco WA 6008 |
| Tel: | (08) 9388 7455 or 1800 659 921 |
| Fax: | (08) 9338 7433 |
| E-mail: | admin@edac.org.au |
TASC (QLD)
http://tascnational.org.au/about/
TASC National Limited, formerly The Advocacy and Support Centre Inc. (TASC) was established in 1982 as the Toowoomba Community Legal Centre. Expanding to include the Ipswich Community Legal Centre, TASC is known for its innovative delivery of generalist and specialist legal, advocacy and social services across Toowoomba, Ipswich and South West Queensland. It is a federally and state funded not-for-profit organisation that provides a truly holistic approach to client service delivery.
TASC provides a range of free services to the vulnerable and marginalised members of our community – people who are at risk, people who have a disability, people who have a mental illness, people who might not otherwise have a voice in our community.
The Advocacy and Support Centre (TASC) Inc
TASC was established in Toowoomba in 1982 and is a not for profit Community Legal and Service providing legal and advocacy services to Toowoomba, Ipswich and South West Queensland. TASC incorporates both the Toowoomba and Ipswich Community Legal Services. TASC also provides regional advocacy and disability advocacy services together with the services of social workers. TASC’s Vision – Social Justice for All – mirrors NEDA’s belief in an inclusive Australia where cultural diversity and disability rights are valued as essential aspects of an equitable society.
| Contact Details | |
| Post: | 223 Hume St, (P.O Box 594), Toowoomba 4350 |
| Tel: | 1300 008272 or 07 46169700 |
| Fax: | 07 461 69700 |
| E-mail: | reception@tascinc.org.au |
Canberra Multicultural Community Forum (CMCF) (ACT)
The Canberra Multicultural Community Forum (CMCF) is a peak body representing more than 100 ethnic and associated community organisations in the Australian Capital Territory and its surrounding area.
Our Vision
A fair and harmonious Canberra community, which supports and celebrates cultural diversity.
CMCF aims to:
represent and advocate on behalf of the multicultural community, especially groups which have experienced the refugee and migration processes
provide a forum for ongoing discussion and communication on multicultural issues, events and policy
provide support for, and develop the capacity of, multicultural community organisations, particularly CMCF members
foster and promote social cohesion, cooperation, community harmony and a culturally diverse society.
We value:
- diversity
- respect
- justice
- integrity.
CMCF is established to act as the voice of a multicultural ACT, through:
collaboration and consultation
facilitating and participating in public policy and debate
supporting new programs and innovation
celebrating and promoting multiculturalism
building community capacity
communication, education and support.
Canberra Multicultural Community Forum (CMCF) Inc
The Forum is established to promote the common interests and articulate the purpose and direction of the multicultural community in the ACT through:
- Community collaboration and consultation
- Engagement and participation in public debate
- Formulation of relevant policies
- Representation to Government
- Community education, conferences, seminars
CMCF aims to represent, enhance, foster, embrace and promote issues of the multicultural community in the ACT.
| Contact Details | |
| Post: | PO Box 796 WODEN ACT 2606 |
| Mobile: | 0411 417 666 |
| Email: | chair@cmcf.org.au secretary@cmcf.org.au |
Disability Rights Advocacy Service Inc. (MALSSA)
Disability Rights Advocacy Service operates two advocacy programs:
1. ‘Individual Advocacy’ Program: represents people on a one-to-one basis to resolve their individual concerns, and
2. ‘Systemic Advocacy’ Program: aims to identify, challenge and change policies, legislation and structures that negatively impact upon their constituency.
They advocate for people with a disability, their families and carers in a wide range of areas including:
Accommodation • Educational • Government Services • Children's Needs • Vocational • Transport Access • Consumer Affairs • Equipment Needs • Centrelink • Decision Making • Family & Relationships • Guardianship Board • Disputes • Financial Assistance • Public Trustee • Discrimination • Health
Disability Rights Advocacy Service is a community organisation and part of the national network of disability advocacy organisations funded by the Australian Government.
Their services are free.
Disability Rights Advocacy Service has three office locations in South Australia. The Mile End office represents people who reside within greater metropolitan Adelaide and the Mt. Barker and Adelaide Hills regions. Based in Mt. Gambier, the ‘South East Disability Advocacy Service’ assists people throughout the South East and Coorong regions. People living within the Riverland region can access the ‘Riverland Advocacy Service’, which is based in the township of Berri.
| Contact Details - Adelaide Office | |
| Post: | Shop 4/80 Henley Beach Road Mile End SA 5031 PO Box 742 Torrensville SA 5031 |
| Tel: | 08 8351 9500 |
| Fax: | 08 8152 0396 |
| E-mail: | admin@dras.com.au |
